8 ways built-in decorative stitches add a lot of charm to your sewing

Thank you for following along this week as I played with a handful of the many built-in stitches on THE Dream Machine 2. It’s mind boggling for me to see the multitude of stitches on this machine, and I’ve been sewing and quilting for many years.

Yesterday I gave you an overview of the difference between the Utility Stitches vs Character/Decorative Stitches. Today, I’ll sew the last row of decorative stitches on the table runner.

But I kid you not when I say that although it has a staggering selection of built-in, pre-programmed stitches (did I tell you 726 of them?) at your fingertips, this isn’t even the most impressive part of this machine!

My table runner is back under my needle as I get ready to continue the faux applique stitch along another of the pieced seams

Character Decorative Stitch file on THE Dream Machine 2

All the stitches in the Character/Decorative Stitch file are very appealing and it really is hard to choose one over the other. But I ended up deciding to use a stitch from the menu 7.

As I mentioned yesterday, each of the 11 category menus in the Character/Decorative Stitch file has pages and pages of stitches. The stitches are labeled on the screen as 7, in this example, a dash and the stitch number. I’m already at 7 – 080 as I scroll along to zero in on a stitch I’ll finally decide on!

Okay let me get on with the sewing…

File 7 stitch file

I decided on stitch 7-065. I’m in love with this one. What makes me decide on this stitch over another, I’ll never be able to tell, but this stitch could be a flower, it cold be a snowflake, it’s just an adorable stitch.

You might remember that during the week I changed the width and length of the stitch by simply pushing the – and + buttons that are to the right of the numbers. For today’s stitching I’m going to be using the default width and length shown without making any changes.

My needle is in the down position directly in the seam where I’ll begin stitching

Stitch 7-065 has been stitched along the complete length of my seam

Using the faux applique technique for making pieced strips of fabric look like they’re appliqued is one of the many ways one could use these decorative stitches.

In no particular order, here’s my list of places where one could really get carried away stitching these adorable, edgy, elegant stitches:

An easy way to make a baby quilt would be to layer the backing/batting and quilt top and use your decorative stitch as a quilting technique to quilt the project, by stitching over all of the seams as I’ve done with this weeks project, except you’ll be stitching through all layers. The decorative stitch will show on the back as well as the top making the quilt a wonderful reversible project. What a great way to use some of the pieces from your stash to make an exciting patchwork quilt.

Use these decorative stitches on your quilt block before you piece them together; match the stitch to the essence of the quilt fabric

The top edge of a bag quilted or not, or its top pocket and straps

The bottom edge of an apron and along the ties

Make your kitchen really yummy, add decorative stitching on the edge of table cloths or tea towels. Your guests are going to notice the decorative stitching on something as mundane as a tea towel…

One row of those flowery stitches could be applied to the bottom edge of a light fabric summer skirt. Use a contrasting thread, or a matching color to add a detail and a sense of ‘airiness’ to the edge. Apply it to the waist, one delicate row can have so much impact!

If you’re making your own skirt, consider using the decorative stitch with which to seam your hem, it’ll look stunning on the wrong side as much as on the right side of the fabric. Especially for an evening dress or outfit.

Add it to all the top edges of the bed sheets! If you come across a set of bed sheets, solid color or just plain white, give it that little bit of ‘special’. Add a row of decorative stitches to the top of the sheet and the pillowcases. I use a thread color that matches the decor of the bedroom.

Decorative stitches can also be used on items bought finished, like the bed sheets and scarves, and not restricted to items you make.

What’s that saying? Beauty is in the details…take advantage and make things beautiful!

On THE Dream Machine 2 you’ll find such a huge selection, you won’t be repeating the same stitch twice! And I haven’t even explored its embroidery component!

All my rows of decorative stitches give the table runner that applique charm. Notice the first couple of seams on the left are rather plain.

I know that many of our Canadian friends have been working on numerous projects all year long in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday. I thought I’d share with you a really exciting stitch that I discovered on THE Dream Machine 2 that you can use in your Canada celebration projects. I found this stitch in the Character/Decorative Stitch file, File 7, Stitch 7-079. It’s a Maple Leaf stitch. Just think of the fun you can have using this stitch to stitch over seams, or simply to add that little extra I was talking about to give your project some punch!

Maple Leaf stitch 7-709

Enjoy discovering these stitches there are plenty with which to play. In the upcoming months you’ll be seeing a lot more of what this machine can do with regards to quilting and embroidery. Thank you for following the blog and be sure to sign up so you don’t miss out on any of the great subjects that my fellow bloggers will be bringing to you here at QUILTsocial. Oh, and be sure to share the site with our friends because they may be missing out on all of the fun. Happy Stitching!

Quilter/Stitcher, Designer, Teacher, Blogger.
With a passion for all that is "stitchy", my goal is to share that passion with you though fun designs, informative and exciting lectures, trunk shows and workshops.
Growing up next door to my paternal grandparents, I had the fantastic opportunity of sitting day after day watching my grandmother stitching away on her vintage White machine. She would often give me scraps and encourage me to be creative. Her creative spirit is the one that comes alive in me every day.
My designs offer various techniques including regular piecing, foundation piecing, hand and machine applique as well as wool applique; catering to all levels.
I create and have fun in my Montreal Studio-Quilt Shop, where I aim to bring you fun designs, exciting fabrics, notions and all kinds of stitching goodies.
At Bill Locke Designs, stitching is definitely a passion where my goal is to keep you in stitches by unlocking your creativity and inspire you to stitch.